In a major step towards ensuring speedy justice for members of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the Odisha Government has decided to establish six Exclusive Special Courts for the fast-track trial of cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The decision has been formalised through a notification issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Hemant Kumar Sharma.

According to the notification, the new courts have been established following the recommendation and concurrence of the Orissa High Court. The initiative aims to ensure faster disposal of pending cases, strengthen the protection of the rights of SC and ST communities, and improve access to justice.

The Exclusive Special Courts will function as Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Courts and will have jurisdiction over the revenue districts of Bhadrak, Ganjam (Berhampur), Jajpur, Kendrapara and Puri, along with the Khurda Revenue Sub-Division.

The state government said the move reflects its commitment to social justice and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable communities under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Officials said the establishment of these courts is expected to significantly reduce the backlog of cases pending under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and ensure timely trials and convictions wherever applicable.

The proposal materialised following continuous review and monitoring by the State Human Rights Protection Cell (SHRPC) at the Odisha Police Headquarters. The assessment of pending cases and the proposal for additional courts were carried out under the guidance of Additional Director General of Police Jatindra Koel, after which the required approval of the High Court was obtained through the Home Department.

Following the issuance of the notification, the Home Department has requested the Orissa High Court to appoint judges for the newly created courts.

The government is also considering setting up similar Exclusive Special Courts and appointing Special Public Prosecutors in other districts with a high number of pending cases to further strengthen the delivery of justice across the state.